Mark 10:19

Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

Mark 10:19 (KJV)

Context

Jesus speaks these words to a rich young ruler who asks what he must do to inherit eternal life (Mark 10:17-22). By pointing to the commandments, Jesus sets the moral law as the standard of righteousness that God requires.

Meaning

The commandments Jesus lists come from the Old Testament law given to Moses (Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:16-20). “Do not commit adultery” forbids sexual infidelity and calls for faithfulness and purity within marriage. “Do not kill” prohibits the intentional taking of life, affirming the sanctity of every human being. “Do not steal” bans taking another’s property, teaching honesty and respect for others’ possessions. “Do not bear false witness” warns against lying and false testimony, emphasizing truthfulness in speech and action. “Defraud not” urges fair dealings and warns against exploitation, echoing the command against coveting (Exodus 20:17). “Honour thy father and mother” stresses respecting and caring for one’s parents, extending to the broader duty to value family relationships.

Biblical connections

Jesus assumes the young man knows these commandments, as Jewish children were taught them from the law. The parallel account in Luke 18:20 lists similar commandments, omitting “defraud not” but including the same core prohibitions. The commandments serve as a mirror to reveal human sinfulness and the need for God’s grace.

Application

God’s moral standards call for more than external compliance. Believers are invited to let the commandments shape the heart, producing integrity in relationships, reverence for life, honesty in words, and respect for parents. Christians are also called to avoid any form of fraud or exploitation and to be willing to relinquish anything that hinders wholehearted discipleship. The rich young ruler’s attachment to wealth exposed his deeper problem, showing that love for material security can obstruct true obedience. Living by these principles reflects a transformed heart that loves God and loves others.

Reflection

Jesus used these commandments to expose the ruler’s deeper problem. Although the young man claimed to have kept them since his youth, Jesus saw that his attachment to wealth prevented true obedience. He challenged the ruler to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him (Mark 10:21), revealing that love for material security can hinder wholehearted discipleship.